FAQs

Why Uganda? 

We felt a calling to Africa for several reasons; see Meet Adam and Stacy for a little more background. After being approved for Uganda, South Africa, and Ethiopia, it was really about logistics–wait times, travel, children available, things like that. We know we'll be with our child in the end, it will all work itself out.

Don't you want to have your own kids? 

You must mean biological kids? Yes, we would like to. Adopting isn't a 'plan B' or a 'we-tried-to-get-pregnant-but-couldn't' type of thing for us. We are so thankful that God has allowed our family to grow this way.

Isn't it expensive?

Yes, it is. 

Fee breakdown: 

Application fee: $550
Home study: $2,400

Program fee 1: $4,650 – after home study approval, before dossier
Country fee: $6,400 – due before dossier
Program fee 2: $2,350 – after referral is accepted
Country fee: $10,900 – due after referral

Dossier document collection: $100

Process and Immigration: $4,554–6,414

Round trip air fair, two trips, two adults, one child, $7,180–16,280

Post placement fees: $2,000

Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." God has called us to adopt, He will provide.

How long will it take?

I like to explain things in terms of steps. There are really four steps: the application, the dossier (all the paperwork), the referral, and the travel. The time it takes from after the dossier is submitted and when you get your referral (information and a picture of your potential child) is 12-24 months (this can vary from country to country).

What agency are you going through? 

We're going through Bethany Christian Services. Bethany has been around for 65 years and have helped numerous families grow their family through adoption. Their headquarters are located in Grand Rapids, MI, but have two central Iowa branches, in Des Moines and Pella.